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LONG BEACH, Calif. – For the second time in as many weeks, the New Mexico Men’s Soccer program has received national preseason recognition. Seniors Kyle Venter and Michael Calderon were both named to TopDrawerSoccer’s “Best XI”, which are the highest individual preseason awards given out by the national soccer media outlet. Venter was named a Preseason All-American by College Soccer News last week.

Venter, a native of Aurora, Colorado, is a two-time All-American going into his final season with the Lobos. He has also garnered Scholar All-American, All-Region and All-Conference honors during his career.

Calderon is entering his second season with New Mexico in the midfield. The Costa Rican made an instant impact in his first season with UNM in 2012. He was a Second Team All-Conference selection as well as being named to the NSCAA All-Region Third Team. Calderon finished the year with four goals and eight assists, which included a goal and two assists in the Lobos’ win over Virginia in the NCAA Tournament.

Both Lobos received high praise from TopDrawerSoccer earlier this offseason. The two, along with James Rogers, were ranked by TDS among the top ten in the nation at their respective positions for next season.

Coach Fishbein and the Lobo Soccer program will begin the 2013 season with a home exhibtion versus Grand Canyon University. That match is scheduled for Saturday, August 17th at 7 p.m. New Mexico will also host Villanova in their regular season opener on Friday, August 30th at 7 p.m. in the UNM Soccer Complex.